Electrospun Biodegradable Bone Filling Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone defect filling materials fail to initiate bone regeneration promptly and maintain activity until sufficient bone formation is achieved, as they either decompose too quickly or not quickly enough, disrupting the necessary bone formation process.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable fiber material in a cotton-like structure, composed of 40-60% calcium phosphate, 10-30% silicon-releasing vaterite phase calcium carbonate, and 30-50% poly-L-lactic acid, which promotes bone formation by releasing calcium ions and silicon, maintaining a scaffold for bone cells to proliferate and differentiate effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the biodegradable polymer is used as a scaffold to maintain the three dimensional skeleton, then the structural integrity is improved, but the polymer decomposes too quickly and disappears before bone formation is complete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidpolymer persistence
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite material combining biodegradable polymer fibers with ceramic particles (β-TCP and SiV). The polymer provides structural integrity as a scaffold, while the ceramic particles provide prolonged stability and bone-forming activity. This composite structure allows the polymer to maintain its skeleton-forming function without decomposing too quickly, as the ceramic framework continues to support bone formation even after polymer degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the ceramic particles are exposed or released quickly, then the bone formation activity is improved, but the material cannot maintain activity until sufficient bone formation is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone formation rateVSAvoidmaterial activity duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention controls the release kinetics of ceramic particles by adjusting the composite structure and particle size distribution. The dual-ceramic system (β-TCP and SiV) provides different release rates, creating a sustained release profile that maintains bone formation activity throughout the entire healing process. The amorphous phase content of the polymer is also controlled to regulate degradation rate and particle exposure timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If small amount of silicon is supplied with calcium, then proliferation of osteoblasts is stimulated, but the release of silicon and calcium must be controlled to match bone formation stages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveosteoblast proliferationVSAvoidion release control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates local chemical environments with different compositions throughout the material structure. The dual-ceramic system (β-TCP providing calcium and SiV providing silicon) creates localized ion release zones that stimulate osteoblast proliferation at specific sites and times during bone formation. The spatial distribution and gradual release of these ions match the staged requirements of bone regeneration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The material induces rapid bone-like apatite formation, supports bone regeneration by maintaining a calcium-rich environment, and ensures the scaffold remains until bone replacement is complete, enhancing the efficiency of bone formation and regeneration.

Implementation Method 1

as the polymer is gradually absorbed and decomposed by contacting with biological fluids, bone forming factors, such as calcium phosphate, are exposed or released

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

a small amount of silicon is released gradually and stimulates osteoblasts as the calcium carbonate is being dissolved, thereby promoting proliferation and differentiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon release: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

producing fibers by electrospinning or other method from a spinning solution which is produced by mixing a solution of a biodegradable polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrospinning: Electrohydrodynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3275472B1Bone defect filling material, and production method therefor
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 ORTHOREBIRTH
  • EP3275472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3275472B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3275472B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Rebuilding a defected bone by activating the innate self-regeneration ability of bone requires a considerably long period of time. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a bone defect filling material that initiates a bone rebuilding activity as quickly as possible after implantation and thereafter remains in the defect to continue promoting bone formation activity until sufficient bone formation has been achieved for the rebuilding of the defect. The present invention provides a cotton-like bone defect filling material comprising biodegradable fibers produced by electrospinning. The biodegradable fibers contain 40-60 wt% of calcium phosphate particles and 10 wt% or more of silicon-releasing calcium carbonate particles, with the remainder containing 30 wt% or more of poly(L-lactic acid) polymer, and the amount of the poly(L-lactic acid) polymer that is non-crystalline is 75-98%.